UPDATE: Read Disney and LucasFilm's official statement at the bottom of this story!

It looks like the power of the Dark Side was just too great for JJ Abrams to battle. The Wrap is reporting the the STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS director will be taking the helm of STAR WARS: EPISODE VII despite reports from the man himself that he would not be taking the job.

The Wrap has had some iffy exclusives in the past, so take this with a grain of salt until it is reported officially from Disney or a trade publication, but this is exciting news. UPDATE: JJ Abrams is now confirmed to direct STAR WARS: EPISODE VII by both Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. Let the casting begin! Abrams certainly has the love of Spielberg and Lucas behind him as well as the childlike sense of wonder needed to bring STAR WARS back to the glory of the Original Trilogy.

When Abrams originally denied the story in November, he said "I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big 'Star Trek' fan growing up, so for me, working on 'Star Trek' didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more than anyone to the next iterations of 'Star Wars,' but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!”

So, what does this mean for STAR TREK? Obviously he will not be able to work on both franchises, especially at two studios who have already had issues with other big series (ahem, IRON MAN). I would say if this ends up being true that JJ will say goodbye to Starfleet and hello to The New Republic.

While I think Ben Affleck or Brad Bird would have been good choices as well, I cannot argue with Abrams getting the job. The guy is talented and will do everything right with the franchise. The only reason he was able to completely change STAR TREK was because he had no connection to it. As a huge STAR WARS fan, he will give us what we deserve in the movie. I am very excited about this. How about you?

Think of the possibilities!

Here is Disney's official press release:

J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,” said Kennedy. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

George Lucas went on to say “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner.

Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year’s Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm’s preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

Extra Tidbit:

I am going to eat my own words if there is even one lens flare in EPISODE VII.

Yes I agree about the whole lens flare craze, even Oliver Stone had it in Savages, it was everywhere in Looper & Total Recall. Yes you make good movies & TV shows Abrams but you gave us a new annoying trend in movies.

Oh to keep on subject, well i wonder if Trekkies can handle their nerd God doing Star Wars. I wonder who they get off more to Abrams or Whedon?

Also I have never been a fanboy period as I could care less for Star Wars or Stars Trek & Super 8 kinda blew also. I do like M:I

Yes I agree about the whole lens flare craze, even Oliver Stone had it in Savages, it was everywhere in Looper & Total Recall. Yes you make good movies & TV shows Abrams but you gave us a new annoying trend in movies.

Oh to keep on subject, well i wonder if Trekkies can handle their nerd God doing Star Wars. I wonder who they get off more to Abrams or Whedon?

Also I have never been a fanboy period as I could care less for Star Wars or Stars Trek & Super 8 kinda blew also. I do like M:I 3 though.

I love how everyone is saying they are pissed off about fanboys and haters gonna hate etc. This isnt a forum for passive opinions, those guys wont post on anything. Joblo was created for movie news and for people to bitch about stuff, or praise stuff etc. If you dont want to hear other peoples thoughts, dont read the fucking comments. Also the people who are the lovers of JJ dont seem to be giving any points other than something like "well i hated trek before his movie etc" well if trek has

I love how everyone is saying they are pissed off about fanboys and haters gonna hate etc. This isnt a forum for passive opinions, those guys wont post on anything. Joblo was created for movie news and for people to bitch about stuff, or praise stuff etc. If you dont want to hear other peoples thoughts, dont read the fucking comments. Also the people who are the lovers of JJ dont seem to be giving any points other than something like "well i hated trek before his movie etc" well if trek has been around since the 60s and you NEVER liked it, till now, then you have to admit that it is NOT what trek is supposed to be, it is so different now that even you (who never liked it) now likes it. When some pure trek fans speak against what JJ did, everyone has a fucking cow. Well after being a fucking fan for the better part of my life, i think i have the right to NOT LIKE the direction JJ took. If you were never a fan of trek, then what do you care?

I like JJ's movies.but this isn't the best choice i think.JJ's movies are more of dark and serious without much fun.starwars movies should be feel-good popcorn entertainment with great fairy tale like story.Matthew vaughn,peter jackson,edgar wright would have been the best choice.hope they direct the sequels.i doubt how JJ would pull it off.but i have more faith in michael arndt screenplay than JJ direction.hoping for the best

I like JJ's movies.but this isn't the best choice i think.JJ's movies are more of dark and serious without much fun.starwars movies should be feel-good popcorn entertainment with great fairy tale like story.Matthew vaughn,peter jackson,edgar wright would have been the best choice.hope they direct the sequels.i doubt how JJ would pull it off.but i have more faith in michael arndt screenplay than JJ direction.hoping for the best

I like JJ's movies.but this isn't the best choice i think.JJ's movies are more of dark and serious without much fun.starwars movies should be feel-good popcorn entertainment with great fairy tale like story.Matthew vaughn,peter jackson,edgar wright would have been the best choice.hope they direct the sequels.i doubt how JJ would pull it off.but i have more faith in michael arndt screenplay than JJ direction.hoping for the best

I like JJ's movies.but this isn't the best choice i think.JJ's movies are more of dark and serious without much fun.starwars movies should be feel-good popcorn entertainment with great fairy tale like story.Matthew vaughn,peter jackson,edgar wright would have been the best choice.hope they direct the sequels.i doubt how JJ would pull it off.but i have more faith in michael arndt screenplay than JJ direction.hoping for the best

Weird

I'm still having a hard time to process that Episode VII is actually happening. This article literally could have been one of the traditional April Fool's Day posts in past years and now it's very much real ^^ we're living in a parallel universe :) good luck to the man and fingers crossed that he pulls it off !

I'm still having a hard time to process that Episode VII is actually happening. This article literally could have been one of the traditional April Fool's Day posts in past years and now it's very much real ^^ we're living in a parallel universe :) good luck to the man and fingers crossed that he pulls it off !

If he doesn't change up his style a bit, try new things, get outside his comfort zone a bit, this movie is gonna feel pretty redundant. So long as Lucas isn't involved I'm happy as a pig n'shit though so whatever.

If he doesn't change up his style a bit, try new things, get outside his comfort zone a bit, this movie is gonna feel pretty redundant. So long as Lucas isn't involved I'm happy as a pig n'shit though so whatever.

Thats what I was thinking myself, but come on you can't do Star Wars without Williams. I guess you could use the established score, but it would be such a cop out to not bring back the Master. Hell if I was Giacchino I would turn it down if offered.

Thats what I was thinking myself, but come on you can't do Star Wars without Williams. I guess you could use the established score, but it would be such a cop out to not bring back the Master. Hell if I was Giacchino I would turn it down if offered.

As much fun as it will be to now call him Jar Jar Abrams, I'm actually pleased with this news. That being said, I question what they're going to do with 3 more post-RotJ movies. Arguably, Darth Vader was the heart of the saga. Everything revolved around him, so now what? (And before you say Thrawn, let me say I would bet hard cash that Abrams would rather do something original then adapt some boring novels.) Will it still feel like Star Wars without Vader? Will Hamill, Fisher, and Ford be

As much fun as it will be to now call him Jar Jar Abrams, I'm actually pleased with this news. That being said, I question what they're going to do with 3 more post-RotJ movies. Arguably, Darth Vader was the heart of the saga. Everything revolved around him, so now what? (And before you say Thrawn, let me say I would bet hard cash that Abrams would rather do something original then adapt some boring novels.) Will it still feel like Star Wars without Vader? Will Hamill, Fisher, and Ford be involved? Will it still feel like Star Wars if they pass on this project?

Well, I think the clues may be in the existing films. First, we have that prophecy of the chosen one supposedly bringing balance to the force. Clearly neither Anakin nor Luke brought balance to the force, so the sequel trilogy may touch base on that.

It seems that the episodes mature as they go along. For instance Episode I is a very adolescent Pixar type of film, the next two are a bit more mature, while the Original Trilogy has more mature themes particularly in Episode V and VI. So we

Well, I think the clues may be in the existing films. First, we have that prophecy of the chosen one supposedly bringing balance to the force. Clearly neither Anakin nor Luke brought balance to the force, so the sequel trilogy may touch base on that.

It seems that the episodes mature as they go along. For instance Episode I is a very adolescent Pixar type of film, the next two are a bit more mature, while the Original Trilogy has more mature themes particularly in Episode V and VI. So we may see even more mature themes in the sequel trilogy, perhaps something approaching Blade Runner or 2001. This way a person will be able to grow up with the saga as a toddler with Episode I into adulthood with more sophisticated themes in a sequel trilogy. I think the sequel trilogy will be a bit more philosophical rather than basic good vs. evil.

I also suspect, that the "there are only two" rule with regards to the Sith may be lifted. The Empire had all the Jedi killed, but clearly during the Original Trilogy Sith wouldn't have had the ability to operate freely either. So I suspect that in a sequel trilogy we'll see the true rise of the Sith, perhaps armies of them, which is really the main thing that has been missing in the saga. Armies of Jedis vs. armies of Sith on an epic scale.

I think given the age of the Original Trilogy actors, it's clear there there is going to be another generation, it will likely focus on the children of Luke or Leia, the heirs to the Skywalker legacy. Perhaps pitting sibling against sibling.

It's likely that Fisher, Ford, Williams and Hanill will be involved. Though I would say given their age they should take supporting roles much like Alec Guiness or Yoda in the Original Trilogy.

I wouldn't doubt it if you do see Thrawn, but probably only as a brief cameo much like a young Tarkin in Episode III just to throw a bone to EU fans.

This just in according to Hollywood Reporter who made a statement regarding the deal with JJ Abrams. "All of you people that don't believe that JJ Abrams is directin Star Wars can go F..." I gotta go peepee I'll be right back to continue this story....

This just in according to Hollywood Reporter who made a statement regarding the deal with JJ Abrams. "All of you people that don't believe that JJ Abrams is directin Star Wars can go F..." I gotta go peepee I'll be right back to continue this story....

"Hey, remember that really cool show with all the twists and turns and people were really into it?"
"Oh, yeah...LOST...we should get the guy who did THAT show to do Star Wars!"
"Sounds great! Hey, what ever happened to that show, do you remember?"
"No...I mean, it WAS a pretty great concept and really got off to a good start. How bad could the ending have been?"
"Good point. I'm sure he'll have as good of an ending for Star Wars as he

Exactly. I can hear the conversation now

"Hey, remember that really cool show with all the twists and turns and people were really into it?"
"Oh, yeah...LOST...we should get the guy who did THAT show to do Star Wars!"
"Sounds great! Hey, what ever happened to that show, do you remember?"
"No...I mean, it WAS a pretty great concept and really got off to a good start. How bad could the ending have been?"
"Good point. I'm sure he'll have as good of an ending for Star Wars as he did for LOST"

People are seriously never satisfied

This is what people have said for the last 24+ hrs.

1. This news is bullcrap because Disney took over a day to release a press release confirming the news
2. JJ Abrams is a hack because he clearly writes and directs every episode of Lost and Fringe
3. JJ Abrams is like Bryan Singer leaving X-Men to direct Superman Returns
4. JJ Abrams uses too many lens flares
5. JJ Abrams is the worst thing to happen to Star Wars (I guess people have already forgotten about the prequels)
6. JJ Abrams

This is what people have said for the last 24+ hrs.

1. This news is bullcrap because Disney took over a day to release a press release confirming the news
2. JJ Abrams is a hack because he clearly writes and directs every episode of Lost and Fringe
3. JJ Abrams is like Bryan Singer leaving X-Men to direct Superman Returns
4. JJ Abrams uses too many lens flares
5. JJ Abrams is the worst thing to happen to Star Wars (I guess people have already forgotten about the prequels)
6. JJ Abrams already made a Star Wars movie when he made Star Trek back in 2009
7. My childhood is now ruined because I have the ability to see into the future and I know Star Wars Episode VII will be garbage so that's why I've decided to bitch today
8. JJ Abrams is equivalent to Michael Bay, Brett Ratner, and all those other cash grabbing directors

Here's my take. JJ Abrams is a star. He was before he even got Star Trek. He is a damn good filmmaker. Can he make a great Star Wars movie? I believe he can. I have no reason to doubt. Here's the thing though. He already has Star Trek and Star Wars is THE fucking franchise. Star Wars isn't just another film saga. Star Wars is movie magic. It makes stars out of nobodies. Hiring Abrams is great, but he doesn't need Star Wars. Yes, the money and fame are awesome. Plus who in the fuck would turn

Here's my take. JJ Abrams is a star. He was before he even got Star Trek. He is a damn good filmmaker. Can he make a great Star Wars movie? I believe he can. I have no reason to doubt. Here's the thing though. He already has Star Trek and Star Wars is THE fucking franchise. Star Wars isn't just another film saga. Star Wars is movie magic. It makes stars out of nobodies. Hiring Abrams is great, but he doesn't need Star Wars. Yes, the money and fame are awesome. Plus who in the fuck would turn down a Star Wars movie? However, George Lucas was nobody before he made Star Wars and then he was a superstar. This is the power of Star Wars. That power can be given to someone else. Im not gonna complain, but I hope Star Wars makes new directors stars rather than make other ones burn brighter.

After the prequels we need an established director to give us a damn good Star Wars movie and then we can worry about some nobody getting their time in the spotlight. Abrams will give us a damn good Star Wars movie.

After the prequels we need an established director to give us a damn good Star Wars movie and then we can worry about some nobody getting their time in the spotlight. Abrams will give us a damn good Star Wars movie.

haters gonna hate.

Never was a star trek fan but loved the new one that abrams did and looking forward to into darkness. Never was a star wars fan either, but I think abrams can convert me to that too. Give him a chance. Plus star wars finatics will complain about anyone that they put at the helm wether they're qualified or not

Never was a star trek fan but loved the new one that abrams did and looking forward to into darkness. Never was a star wars fan either, but I think abrams can convert me to that too. Give him a chance. Plus star wars finatics will complain about anyone that they put at the helm wether they're qualified or not

True or false, I don't care at this point. I enjoyed the new Star Trek, Last season of Fringe and the finale were ok but not as good as the first few seasons before shit got weirder. Cloverfield was ok, super 8 was ok, overall I don't hate or like JJ. It wouldn't be a factor in seeing or not seeing the next SW movie, but I'm neither exited nor concerned.
Side note: The first Force Unleashed game had a amazing story. Here's hoping the next trilogy follows suits, no matter who directs.

True or false, I don't care at this point. I enjoyed the new Star Trek, Last season of Fringe and the finale were ok but not as good as the first few seasons before shit got weirder. Cloverfield was ok, super 8 was ok, overall I don't hate or like JJ. It wouldn't be a factor in seeing or not seeing the next SW movie, but I'm neither exited nor concerned.
Side note: The first Force Unleashed game had a amazing story. Here's hoping the next trilogy follows suits, no matter who directs.

Thirty minutes after Disney hired Gore Verbinski for Pirates of the Caribbean 2 they (Disney) announced it officially to the public. Thirty minutes after Disney hired Joe Krasinski for Tron: Legacy they officially announced the news to the public. 28 hours after Abrams gets "hired" and still no official confirmation. This is still the fishiest news story that I've heard in years.

Thirty minutes after Disney hired Gore Verbinski for Pirates of the Caribbean 2 they (Disney) announced it officially to the public. Thirty minutes after Disney hired Joe Krasinski for Tron: Legacy they officially announced the news to the public. 28 hours after Abrams gets "hired" and still no official confirmation. This is still the fishiest news story that I've heard in years.

This story is not confirmed!

I've never seen so many uninformed people in my life. Matthew Vaughn left Fox during the pre-production of X-Men: Days of Future Past two months ago. He left because Disney hired him to direct a big budget sci-fi movie for them (Star Wars: Episode VII). Vaughn has been spotted many times at Lucasfilm and at several of Disney's backlots wearing 'Star Wars: Episode VII' shirts and hats. This is a cut and dry case, Vaughn is directing Star Wars...end of story. The Abrams thing is a rumor spread by

I've never seen so many uninformed people in my life. Matthew Vaughn left Fox during the pre-production of X-Men: Days of Future Past two months ago. He left because Disney hired him to direct a big budget sci-fi movie for them (Star Wars: Episode VII). Vaughn has been spotted many times at Lucasfilm and at several of Disney's backlots wearing 'Star Wars: Episode VII' shirts and hats. This is a cut and dry case, Vaughn is directing Star Wars...end of story. The Abrams thing is a rumor spread by bad reporters and bad information. Star Wars Episode VII is already in (early) pre-production stages. Vaughn has been overseeing the pre-production for months now (he's the director after all). Star Trek Into Darkness is in the middle of post production. There's no way in hell Abrams is directing Star Wars Episode VII, because he's working on something else right now (Star Trek).

And wheres the confirmation saying Matthew Vaughn is directing Star Wars? Where are these pictures you claim everyones seen him in wearing Star Wars episode 7 shirts? Sounds like youre believing the same "bad reporters and bad information" only to believe what you want.

And wheres the confirmation saying Matthew Vaughn is directing Star Wars? Where are these pictures you claim everyones seen him in wearing Star Wars episode 7 shirts? Sounds like youre believing the same "bad reporters and bad information" only to believe what you want.

Are you guys serious? It's been days and this news is fucking everywhere. Don't you think someone would have cross checked and corrected the entire world that the news they had heard was wrong. News on here gets updated all the time. JJ Abrams is directing Episode 7. Fact.

Are you guys serious? It's been days and this news is fucking everywhere. Don't you think someone would have cross checked and corrected the entire world that the news they had heard was wrong. News on here gets updated all the time. JJ Abrams is directing Episode 7. Fact.

NO CONFIRMATION!

Your "update" about Deadline & THR confirming this news is false. Deadline just said 'a source with knowledge of the situation.' And THR article says that JJ Abrams is close to signing a deal. Neither Disney or Abrams have confirmed this. Who signs onto a movie without a finished script? Plus Abrams has been adamant about not directing this.

Your "update" about Deadline & THR confirming this news is false. Deadline just said 'a source with knowledge of the situation.' And THR article says that JJ Abrams is close to signing a deal. Neither Disney or Abrams have confirmed this. Who signs onto a movie without a finished script? Plus Abrams has been adamant about not directing this.

JJ = Bay

JJ screwed up trek - giving spock emotions for no reason – so now he is just like everyone else, and what about exploring the galaxy, wasn’t that what trek was about? And wasn’t JJ gonna have krypton not explode and have lex be kryptonian? Im sure all the JJ fans would’ve loved that. Its only because trek is perceived to be for losers that none of you cared that he ruined it. But don’t worry he will fuck up star wars nice and then everyone will hate him. JJ tears apart the mythos of whatever

JJ screwed up trek - giving spock emotions for no reason – so now he is just like everyone else, and what about exploring the galaxy, wasn’t that what trek was about? And wasn’t JJ gonna have krypton not explode and have lex be kryptonian? Im sure all the JJ fans would’ve loved that. Its only because trek is perceived to be for losers that none of you cared that he ruined it. But don’t worry he will fuck up star wars nice and then everyone will hate him. JJ tears apart the mythos of whatever he touches and replaces it with nothing.

Holy shnit...

Holy crap there is some Abrams fanboys on here..
1)jj abrams is extreemly meh... Maybe not suck but meh.
2)comparing abrams to Spielberg is just stupid so shut up (even tho he's pretty good at trying to rip his film style)
3)the lends flares ARE annoying. Previous directors whom have done this, did it with a style and grace that added to the film, not took you out of it.
But I guess the best thing he has going for him is they can't be ANY worse then George Lucas' last three, so he's got a

Holy crap there is some Abrams fanboys on here..
1)jj abrams is extreemly meh... Maybe not suck but meh.
2)comparing abrams to Spielberg is just stupid so shut up (even tho he's pretty good at trying to rip his film style)
3)the lends flares ARE annoying. Previous directors whom have done this, did it with a style and grace that added to the film, not took you out of it.
But I guess the best thing he has going for him is they can't be ANY worse then George Lucas' last three, so he's got a one up there. This is a total predictable choice on Disney and probably their safest route with the series. Because if it sucks Disney knows there will still be copious amounts of his fanboys (this thread is a perfect example)defending the shit out of him and the film at best. So kudos for that! Not excited about this choice at all tho... Maybe we can really get this starting solid and add Damon Lindelof to the line up!!! YAYYYY!!! *throws up a little on self...*

my favorite arguments so far...

1) jj abrams sucks because i didn't like how "lost" ended! (yeah, he had nothing to do with "lost" after the third season)
2) jj abrams already turned "star trek" into "star wars" (right, because "wrath of khan" was nothing like a star wars movie)
3) jj abrams and the lens flare thing (meh. it was admittedly over-the-top in "star trek", but before that, no one had lens flare issues with other abrams stuff. and before you say "super 8", go look at early spielberg. "close encounters" is FULL

1) jj abrams sucks because i didn't like how "lost" ended! (yeah, he had nothing to do with "lost" after the third season)
2) jj abrams already turned "star trek" into "star wars" (right, because "wrath of khan" was nothing like a star wars movie)
3) jj abrams and the lens flare thing (meh. it was admittedly over-the-top in "star trek", but before that, no one had lens flare issues with other abrams stuff. and before you say "super 8", go look at early spielberg. "close encounters" is FULL of them. so's "ET". it's a thing. shut up.)
4) it won't look or feel like a "star wars" movie...(yes. we can hope so. meanwhile, people are lamenting that aronofsky, affleck, and fincher didn't get the call. because those guys are famous for their mainstream sci-fi action family film credentials)
meh. at the very least, jj abrams should be able to make a better star wars film than the previous three in his sleep.

Not excited..

Disney: Hey Abrams, would you like to direct the new Star Wars movie?
Abrams: No thanks, I'll just stick with -
Disney: *makes hand motion* You will direct the new Star Wars movie.
Abrams: I will direct the new Star Wars movie.

Disney: Hey Abrams, would you like to direct the new Star Wars movie?
Abrams: No thanks, I'll just stick with -
Disney: *makes hand motion* You will direct the new Star Wars movie.
Abrams: I will direct the new Star Wars movie.

Erm, will believe it when Disney confirm it.

Otherwise it is Internet gossip.
We'd have to wait for Disney to tell us anyway because all we'd get from Abrams is flipping riddles.
Would rather not have him for the simple reason he has done space battles on Trek. Is he really going to bring some new or different to a genre he has already rebooted.
I still want Brad Bird.

Otherwise it is Internet gossip.
We'd have to wait for Disney to tell us anyway because all we'd get from Abrams is flipping riddles.
Would rather not have him for the simple reason he has done space battles on Trek. Is he really going to bring some new or different to a genre he has already rebooted.
I still want Brad Bird.

Oh NO :(

The only JJ Abrams thing I've enjoyed of late was the Star Trek reboot, so that's in his positive column. But everything else has just blown. Plus he is still paying his way out of the hole of hatred he created by how he screwed up LOST. I sense another Phantom Menace...sigh...

The only JJ Abrams thing I've enjoyed of late was the Star Trek reboot, so that's in his positive column. But everything else has just blown. Plus he is still paying his way out of the hole of hatred he created by how he screwed up LOST. I sense another Phantom Menace...sigh...

No, he didn't screw up Lost. He wasn't involved in Lost after season 3, as Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were the show runners responsible for the creative direction. JJ Abrams has so many projects that he tends to pass on control of a series he created to someone else, which was the case for Lost. He handed over the keys to Lindelof and Cuse, and if anything, they crashed the show.

No, he didn't screw up Lost. He wasn't involved in Lost after season 3, as Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were the show runners responsible for the creative direction. JJ Abrams has so many projects that he tends to pass on control of a series he created to someone else, which was the case for Lost. He handed over the keys to Lindelof and Cuse, and if anything, they crashed the show.

Dubious...

I think J.J. Abrams is talented. But there are two things that bother me about this piece of news.
1/ He's already done Star Trek - It's kind of weird that there would only be one director suited for that kind of films. God knows Hollywood needs originality nowadays, and this just ain't helping.
2/ Whilst I'm pretty confident that J.J's Star Wars won't be stinker, I feel like it won't be anything earth-shattering either. It'll come out, get an 8 out of 10 on JoBlo, people will enjoy it but

I think J.J. Abrams is talented. But there are two things that bother me about this piece of news.
1/ He's already done Star Trek - It's kind of weird that there would only be one director suited for that kind of films. God knows Hollywood needs originality nowadays, and this just ain't helping.
2/ Whilst I'm pretty confident that J.J's Star Wars won't be stinker, I feel like it won't be anything earth-shattering either. It'll come out, get an 8 out of 10 on JoBlo, people will enjoy it but won't go gaga because it won't have an identity of its own. I would've been happier with a ballsier choice (Affleck, Trevorrow, Aronofsky ?!) that could have been a disaster if done wrong, but something TRULY special if done right. I have a feeling this will be run of the mill. My only hope lies in Michael Arndt's script, because I totally and unabashedly adore Toy Story 3.

His plot has also bee revealed...

The film will open up with Han Solo traveling back in time and shooting Jar-Jar in cold blood before he can form a life debt with Qui-Gon, and with two of the biggest atrocities Lucas ever committed being erased we are able to start Episode 1 all over again and reboot the whole film series.

The film will open up with Han Solo traveling back in time and shooting Jar-Jar in cold blood before he can form a life debt with Qui-Gon, and with two of the biggest atrocities Lucas ever committed being erased we are able to start Episode 1 all over again and reboot the whole film series.

JJ Abrams is one of my favourite directors working today, Super 8 was just amazing. I think we all discounted the possibility of him directing Star Wars VII pretty early on because of his involvement with Star Trek, but perhaps there's some sort of cosmic plan in all this - I can't wait to see his Star Wars!

JJ Abrams is one of my favourite directors working today, Super 8 was just amazing. I think we all discounted the possibility of him directing Star Wars VII pretty early on because of his involvement with Star Trek, but perhaps there's some sort of cosmic plan in all this - I can't wait to see his Star Wars!

I guess he is ok

I am not a big fan of his. His films lack depth and his story telling is not quite sharp enough, but who else is there? I mean of the great directors who can handle special effects and story telling? I mean that would even consider it. Star Trek and the Mission Impossible movies were very disposable flicks really when it comes down to it, but not terrible. He is a better choice than most I suppose. Good enough.

I am not a big fan of his. His films lack depth and his story telling is not quite sharp enough, but who else is there? I mean of the great directors who can handle special effects and story telling? I mean that would even consider it. Star Trek and the Mission Impossible movies were very disposable flicks really when it comes down to it, but not terrible. He is a better choice than most I suppose. Good enough.

I was hoping for a director that would direct a trilogy, like Nolan and the Dark Knight, Verbinski and POTC, Zemeckis and Back to the Future, , Jackson and LOTR, etc. I just feel like most trilogies end up better that way. I know the original trilogy all had differet directors, so this could still work, and Abrams is talented enough for the job. But I would still prefer someone who didn't already work on a big franchise.

I was hoping for a director that would direct a trilogy, like Nolan and the Dark Knight, Verbinski and POTC, Zemeckis and Back to the Future, , Jackson and LOTR, etc. I just feel like most trilogies end up better that way. I know the original trilogy all had differet directors, so this could still work, and Abrams is talented enough for the job. But I would still prefer someone who didn't already work on a big franchise.

Don't let George Lucas micro-manage this!!

I got goosebumps watching that trailer, and it's not even an official one! I think this is great news. He's made some great films and I'm looking forward to watching this develop! His first oreder of business should be sitting down with Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill and see if their interested in returning in some form or another! Man it would be cool to see Darth Vader return, but I guess that's impossible.

I got goosebumps watching that trailer, and it's not even an official one! I think this is great news. He's made some great films and I'm looking forward to watching this develop! His first oreder of business should be sitting down with Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill and see if their interested in returning in some form or another! Man it would be cool to see Darth Vader return, but I guess that's impossible.

I like JJ and would be down if he were only doing Star Wars. However, since he is already committed to Star Trek I just feel like it will be difficult to do both and have them not be very similar. I just feel he should focus on one or on the other. I would love to be surprised though.

I like JJ and would be down if he were only doing Star Wars. However, since he is already committed to Star Trek I just feel like it will be difficult to do both and have them not be very similar. I just feel he should focus on one or on the other. I would love to be surprised though.

I can dig it! I just hope this doesn't turn out like when Bryan Singer ditched X-Men to make Superman Returns ruining two franchises in the process. And yeah, here's hoping the mouse house tells him to cool it with the lens flares. Other than those concerns this news is awesome because it means were actually going to get some good performances in a post ROTJ Star Wars movie!

I can dig it! I just hope this doesn't turn out like when Bryan Singer ditched X-Men to make Superman Returns ruining two franchises in the process. And yeah, here's hoping the mouse house tells him to cool it with the lens flares. Other than those concerns this news is awesome because it means were actually going to get some good performances in a post ROTJ Star Wars movie!

Lame

not that i think an Abrams Star Wars movie wouldnt be awesome, but i was really hoping on someone else. Abrams needs to finish the Star Trek trilogy he started. And he's also too much of an independent filmmaker for the job. When you watch an Abrams film, its obviously an Abrams film. The Star Wars movie needs someone who will treat it as part of a larger universe. Even the prequels looked like the the same style of direction as the originals. Sweeping shots, slide editing, it acted like ti was

not that i think an Abrams Star Wars movie wouldnt be awesome, but i was really hoping on someone else. Abrams needs to finish the Star Trek trilogy he started. And he's also too much of an independent filmmaker for the job. When you watch an Abrams film, its obviously an Abrams film. The Star Wars movie needs someone who will treat it as part of a larger universe. Even the prequels looked like the the same style of direction as the originals. Sweeping shots, slide editing, it acted like ti was part of something bigger. All this says to me is that 1) Abrams will not do Star Trek 3 and 2) the new Star Wars film will be much more different than any of them before.

As long as it's the only film he does...

I'm down. It'd be great if each of the new films had their own unique style, with Abrams being the best choice to start it off. This way he can do this, then go back to ST and finish off that trilogy. Everyone wins.

I'm not gonna complain if he does more than one SW movie, I just don't want it to intrude on his already excellent ST films. If he can make it all work, this man is the new king of sci-fi, and all the power to him.

I'm down. It'd be great if each of the new films had their own unique style, with Abrams being the best choice to start it off. This way he can do this, then go back to ST and finish off that trilogy. Everyone wins.

I'm not gonna complain if he does more than one SW movie, I just don't want it to intrude on his already excellent ST films. If he can make it all work, this man is the new king of sci-fi, and all the power to him.

JJ Abrams is the only director of late who really knows how to create strong and charming interpersonal relationships on screen against the backdrop of quick-paced, eye-popping action. And that is PRECISELY how Empire Strikes Back was made. JJ Abrams was born to make a Star Wars film. I also don't want to see more than 3 lightsabers in the movie. In fact, an ignited lightsaber should not be shown until the last act.

JJ Abrams is the only director of late who really knows how to create strong and charming interpersonal relationships on screen against the backdrop of quick-paced, eye-popping action. And that is PRECISELY how Empire Strikes Back was made. JJ Abrams was born to make a Star Wars film. I also don't want to see more than 3 lightsabers in the movie. In fact, an ignited lightsaber should not be shown until the last act.

SICKNESS NEWS

Thank you for makin my day :0 seriously this is fuckin awesome. Maybe he can restore some faith into the movies like the old ones had. :) I wasn't to fond of the newer ones they were ok. But nothing beats 4,5,6 :)

Thank you for makin my day :0 seriously this is fuckin awesome. Maybe he can restore some faith into the movies like the old ones had. :) I wasn't to fond of the newer ones they were ok. But nothing beats 4,5,6 :)

Awesome.

Awesome. Awesome. Just so much awesome. JJ is an awesome director and I think with the help of the guys at Disney, a good script, and the proper support, he will give us the best damn Star Wars film we have ever seen. Consider it the Skyfall of the SW series. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Awesome. Awesome. Just so much awesome. JJ is an awesome director and I think with the help of the guys at Disney, a good script, and the proper support, he will give us the best damn Star Wars film we have ever seen. Consider it the Skyfall of the SW series. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a fine director. BUt I just don't really like the idea of the same guy directing both Star Trek AND Star Wars. I actually *like* design variation! We need new perspectives! Every franchise looking the same is not my favorite!! D:

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a fine director. BUt I just don't really like the idea of the same guy directing both Star Trek AND Star Wars. I actually *like* design variation! We need new perspectives! Every franchise looking the same is not my favorite!! D:

Will people STOP with the goddamn lens-flare bullshit?! Man it's getting on my nerves at this point, he wasn't the first to use it all the time and he won't be the last. I never even noticed it until people started bitching about it. It's old people, please stop.

Will people STOP with the goddamn lens-flare bullshit?! Man it's getting on my nerves at this point, he wasn't the first to use it all the time and he won't be the last. I never even noticed it until people started bitching about it. It's old people, please stop.

I'm totally with you. I watched this movie at least four or five times and never really noticed it. Then I see all these people complaining about it. So next time I watch the movie, I look for it, and lo and behold, yeah, it's all over the place. But guess what? I decided to watch the movie, and then I forgot about lens flares in a span of about three seconds.

Honestly, people just want something to complain about. That's all it boils down to.

I'm totally with you. I watched this movie at least four or five times and never really noticed it. Then I see all these people complaining about it. So next time I watch the movie, I look for it, and lo and behold, yeah, it's all over the place. But guess what? I decided to watch the movie, and then I forgot about lens flares in a span of about three seconds.

Honestly, people just want something to complain about. That's all it boils down to.

Guys, massive lens flare has been around since the 70's. I don't get why everyone is just noticing it now, Spielberg used it so much in E.T. and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. I've never found it distracting, always found it atmospheric and cool.

Guys, massive lens flare has been around since the 70's. I don't get why everyone is just noticing it now, Spielberg used it so much in E.T. and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. I've never found it distracting, always found it atmospheric and cool.

I may rent them when they hit dvd, but more than likely I'll just wait until it comes out on cable. Abrams' body of work is much more suited to tv than feature films. I didn't like how he dumbed-down Star Trek (as well as ignoring or outright destroying most of the canon), and I'm fairly sure SW will be no better.

Lens flares for days!!! Yo!

I may rent them when they hit dvd, but more than likely I'll just wait until it comes out on cable. Abrams' body of work is much more suited to tv than feature films. I didn't like how he dumbed-down Star Trek (as well as ignoring or outright destroying most of the canon), and I'm fairly sure SW will be no better.

I agree he fucked up trek just cause he was too fucking lazy to read some backstory on the characters and then claims he wanted to do his own universe. if that was true, why not make new characters up, oh that would require creativiity.

I agree he fucked up trek just cause he was too fucking lazy to read some backstory on the characters and then claims he wanted to do his own universe. if that was true, why not make new characters up, oh that would require creativiity.

Super 8 was never meant to be a big blockbuster (hence the small budget, and small marketing campaign). It was a homage to Spielberg, Abrams said that before the movie even started production. Sucks you didn't like it, but it got good reviews, did very well at the box office, and most people seemed to have enjoyed the hell out of it, so that's a success in my book.

Super 8 was never meant to be a big blockbuster (hence the small budget, and small marketing campaign). It was a homage to Spielberg, Abrams said that before the movie even started production. Sucks you didn't like it, but it got good reviews, did very well at the box office, and most people seemed to have enjoyed the hell out of it, so that's a success in my book.

Oh, no doubt with his experience with episodic material he'll be able to wrangle some of the saga, but something about this feels...not wrong, just...Maybe I'm just not that sure of the next three movies in general.

So, the Trek and the Wars brought back to life by one man.

Oh, no doubt with his experience with episodic material he'll be able to wrangle some of the saga, but something about this feels...not wrong, just...Maybe I'm just not that sure of the next three movies in general.

The man who gave life back to STAR TREK is now bringing life back to STAR WARS and I couldn't be happier. This also most likely means that the composer for the film will be the man I consider to be the next John Williams and that is Michael Giacchino. Fucking stoked now!

The man who gave life back to STAR TREK is now bringing life back to STAR WARS and I couldn't be happier. This also most likely means that the composer for the film will be the man I consider to be the next John Williams and that is Michael Giacchino. Fucking stoked now!

Some people were always complaining that Abram's Star Trek felling like what the Star Wars prequels should have been, this is surprising news to me, but it's also something I'm definitely optimistic about. Star Wars will now have the lens flare and character driven plot it's desperately needed.

Some people were always complaining that Abram's Star Trek felling like what the Star Wars prequels should have been, this is surprising news to me, but it's also something I'm definitely optimistic about. Star Wars will now have the lens flare and character driven plot it's desperately needed.

So, what? Abrams already made Star Wars in 2009. I know it's not the cool thing to hate on Abrams and I know I will get thumbs down to shit but I'm done with him. People say that he made Trek "cool" again. If by cool, you mean he pissed on the fan base and dumbed it down for a modern mainstream audience, then yes, it's no longer "nerdy" to think Star Trek is cool. The guy has no idea how to create emotion other than "let's just have them yell. That will save me from actually having to win over

So, what? Abrams already made Star Wars in 2009. I know it's not the cool thing to hate on Abrams and I know I will get thumbs down to shit but I'm done with him. People say that he made Trek "cool" again. If by cool, you mean he pissed on the fan base and dumbed it down for a modern mainstream audience, then yes, it's no longer "nerdy" to think Star Trek is cool. The guy has no idea how to create emotion other than "let's just have them yell. That will save me from actually having to win over the audience with real emotion." Star Trek '09 was the equivalent of a kid drinking a couple liters of coke, eating a whole bag of candy and watching him jump up and down and yell at the top of his lungs for 2 hours. In other words, it's the most appropriate time to call him "Jar Jar Abrams." Oh and if you don't believe me that Abrams pissed on the fan base, he flat out says in an interview that the movie was not made for Trek fans (seriously, Google it.)

The movie was not made specifically for STAR TREK fans in mind because he wanted to open the doors to a whole new generation of fans which he has. I've been a STAR TREK fan since the crib and so has my father and we love what Abrams has done with it.

The movie was not made specifically for STAR TREK fans in mind because he wanted to open the doors to a whole new generation of fans which he has. I've been a STAR TREK fan since the crib and so has my father and we love what Abrams has done with it.

Well....well....SH*T!

I was so excited for Disney Wars... not anymore. I'm probably the only person not crazy about this news, because I'm one of the single-digit numbers that didn't like JJTREK. I really don't want JJWARS.... so if I learned anything from the prequels, is that I'll just pass on this one. They should just kill all the birds with one stone and bring in Lindelof, Orci & Kurtzman over to Star Wars too.

Let the downvotes rain like snow!

I was so excited for Disney Wars... not anymore. I'm probably the only person not crazy about this news, because I'm one of the single-digit numbers that didn't like JJTREK. I really don't want JJWARS.... so if I learned anything from the prequels, is that I'll just pass on this one. They should just kill all the birds with one stone and bring in Lindelof, Orci & Kurtzman over to Star Wars too.

I'm taking this with a huge grain of salt. The fact that he outright denied he was going to direct this before, and the source basically amounts to a guy who says he has knowledge of the production told them. If it's true, there's plenty of worse candidates they could've chosen. But if this turns out to be yet another dead-end, well, we'll find out eventually. We have a long way to go before any of this needs to be decided, and I'm still on the fence about if I even want another trilogy of Star

I'm taking this with a huge grain of salt. The fact that he outright denied he was going to direct this before, and the source basically amounts to a guy who says he has knowledge of the production told them. If it's true, there's plenty of worse candidates they could've chosen. But if this turns out to be yet another dead-end, well, we'll find out eventually. We have a long way to go before any of this needs to be decided, and I'm still on the fence about if I even want another trilogy of Star Wars

Yesssssssssssssss

Good and bad

Good: If he's gone from the Trek franchise, I hope we can get a real official eleventh chapter in the franchise
reminicent of TOS/TNG days, 'cause he screwed up the Trek universe with a BIG PILE OF CRAP!!!

Bad: I hope he doesn't do to "Wars" what he did to "Trek".

Good: If he's gone from the Trek franchise, I hope we can get a real official eleventh chapter in the franchise
reminicent of TOS/TNG days, 'cause he screwed up the Trek universe with a BIG PILE OF CRAP!!!